1. ONE DAY ON MARIA

AUD$220.00

Duration: 8 Hours (approx.)

Location: Triabunna, TAS

Join us on the most unforgettable day tour, cruising the renowned coastline of Maria Island and Tasmania's stunning East Coast. Our shuttle bus will pick you up from your hotel in Hobart and drive you to our departure location at Triabunna. If you have your own transport, simply meet us at Triabunna and let us take you on the adventure of a lifetime.

Your tour will depart from the Triabunna marina (approximately 1-hour and 15-minutes from Hobart), and includes a 4-hour scenic cruise of Maria Island's stunning coastline with a 2-hour on island stay including a gentle walk (if chosen) of the island's World Heritage listed convict settlement. A big buffet lunch of gourmet Tasmanian food, cheese, juice, tea and coffee is provided complimentary on board the cruise whilst at anchor in the most beautiful of locations. Local wines (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc) and Tasmanian premium larger are also provided for purchase during lunch.

Our cruise boat "Spirit of Maria" departs from the Triabunna marina and makes the short journey to Darlington (Maria Island's World Heritage listed convict settlement) to enjoy a quick morning snack aboard the boat of tea, coffee, juice, cakes and homemade lemon slice! From here the boat will cruise to one of two locations depending on the cruise itinerary. Our website will show the cruise itinerary for the summer season. Choose from a cruise to the renowned Ile Des Phoques to visit playful fur seals and giant colourful sea caves or circumnavigate around the entire Maria Island coast.

The Ile Des Phoques has been our favourite place to cruise, swim, dive and explore ever since we began in 2007. The Ile Des Phoques (French for Island of Seals) is an absolute haven for marine life and has been declared one of the best cold water dives in the world.

Your cruise to the seals will capture the stunning views of Maria Island, including famous landmarks such as the Painted Cliffs and Fossil Cliffs, spring-fed waterfalls, limestone sea caves, cliff-top stalactites, Bishop & Clerk mountain range and the stunning granite cliffs of Maria Island's east coast. At the northern tip of Maria Island the cruise will head North to the Ile Des Phoques, a 30min boat ride from Maria Island. On the way to this remarkable granite island you can see albatross, dolphins, Australian fur seals and whales (depending on the time of year) as well as majestic panoramic views of Maria Island and the Freycinet Peninsula. *Note, if poor weather prevents the cruising to the Ile Des Phoques, the cruise will be changed to circumnavigate Maria Island.

If you have chosen the circumnavigation, your cruise around the Island is a totally immersive and different experience. The east coast of Maria Island showcases mountain fed waterfalls, secluded bays, sea caves, ancient geology and beaches of pure white sand. Enjoy expert commentary as you cruise to the renowned Riedle Bay and Shoal Bay at Maria Island's isthmus for a gourmet lunch on anchor. These stunning beaches are both identical to the world-famous Wineglass Bay and are only visited by a handful of people each year. En route around Maria Island we stop to showcase many famous landmarks including the Fossil Cliffs and Painted Cliffs.

In the afternoon, both tours will dock at Darlington. The perfect way to compliment your cruise is to stretch your legs and enjoy a guided tour through Darlington’s fascinating collection of preserved convict buildings, learn about the town’s remarkable history and come face to face with Maria Island’s resident wombats. If history is not for you, then simply soak up the sun on Darlington’s white sandy beach or swim/snorkel in the waters of Maria Island’s marine reserve.